No fatalities

Ground Loop During Landing Roll Damages Aircraft

Anchorage, AK, United States

On May 25, 2016, a CESSNA A185 F was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During landing roll on Runway 32 with a crosswind, the pilot applied full right rudder. While turning to exit, the tail swung right, causing a ground loop that collapsed the right main landing gear and substantially damaged the right wing.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during the landing roll, full right rudder was applied to compensate for crosswind conditions. As the aircraft began to turn to exit the runway, the tail swung to the right, resulting in a ground loop. During the ground loop, the right main landing gear collapsed and the right wing sustained substantial damage after impacting the terrain.

Weather Conditions

An automated weather observing system at the airport reported, around the time of the accident, wind from 300 degrees true at 9 knots. The landing was conducted on Runway 32.

Mechanical Status

The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Ability to respond/compensate

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 May 2016 CESSNA A185 F accident near Anchorage, AK?

During landing roll on Runway 32 with a crosswind, the pilot applied full right rudder. While turning to exit, the tail swung right, causing a ground loop that collapsed the right main landing gear and substantially damaged the right wing.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 May 2016 CESSNA A185 F accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 May 2016 involved a CESSNA A185 F, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.